LANSING – Embattled state Sen. Virgil Smith returned to work Tuesday, more than two weeks after being charged with three felonies in connection with a shooting incident at his home.

The Detroit Democrat, who declined to answer questions from the media as he left the Senate chamber Tuesday, is facing the felonies and a misdemeanor in connection with a non-fatal shooting involving his ex-wife outside his Detroit home on May 10.

He has been absent from the state Senate since the incident. He could be at the Capitol to lend support to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is slated to give a presentation Tuesday on his D-insurance plan for more affordable auto insurance for city residents. Smith is the only Detroit Democrat in the Legislature who endorses the plan.

Since he was arraigned, both Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate have urged Smith to resign, but some members of the legislative Black Caucus have offered their support and said lawmakers shouldn't be in a hurry to remove him from the Legislature.

Though Smith has not resigned, Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, removed him from his committee assignments and his post as minority whip.

His Senate website has been replaced with the message: "Senator Virgil Smith's office will continue to be open and available to assist constituents of the 4th Senate District. If you need any assistance, please call 517-373-7918 or e-mail." But that phone number goes straight to voice mail, and Smith's office remains locked. His staff has been reassigned to other offices.

Smith is facing a preliminary examination on June 12 before 36th District Court Judge Michael Wagner on the felony charges of malicious destruction of property over $20,000, felonious assault and using a firearm during the commission of a felony, as well as a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.

The charges stem from an incident in which Smith allegedly got into an altercation with his ex-wife, who, according to Detroit police reports, discovered another woman — Smith's girlfriend — in his bed. He told police he fired a .22-caliber rifle into his ex-wife's car.